Nick is eager to represent the England squad against Wales in a friendly match later this month.

As testament to his hard work and natural ability on the rugby pitch, Nick has already received five caps for the England team.

Last season he added to his achievements by being awarded 'Young Player of the Year' for Burnham United's second team, The Colts.

The 20-year-old plays either hooker or flanker for his local rugby team, Burnham United.

Nick has severe hearing loss in both ears, not that he has let this hold him back in anyway, in fact quite the opposite.

"My hearing loss does make playing rugby a bit tricky," said Nick.

"It's not so bad at Burnham United because I can just shout and the others listen out for me. For the England Deaf Team there's no point shouting because no-one can really hear you! We're learning an adapted sign language, different signs are for different moves within the game so that should help."

Meanwhile, Nick is also scoring well with his apprenticeship at Magna and this year hopes to become a qualified plumber.

He attends Bridgwater College on day release and is aiming to qualify as a heating engineer next year.

His colleagues have also had to adapt the way they operate since working with Nick.

Nick added: "I think it took some getting used to for all of us but the guys are really good and it works okay."

Magna Housing Group is one of the largest Housing Associations in the South West.

It currently has three apprenticeship placements where employees combine study and gaining qualifications with the real world of work.

By Ian Morgan
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